Wandering is one of the greatest challenges faced by family caregivers whose loved one has Alzheimer’s or other memory loss. Over 60 percent of Alzheimer’s patients will become lost at some time. Most are gone only briefly, though long enough to frighten their loved ones. Others may be lost for an extended period of time, […]
A trial from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) showed a 10-year benefit in realms of reasoning and speed. Ten years after completing a brain training program, a group of older people still had improved cognitive abilities, according to results of a randomized clinical trial supported by the National Institutes of Health. The report, from […]
The bright lights and big crowds make the holidays fun and exciting for many of us. But the season can present special challenges if you are a family caregiver of someone with Alzheimer’s or other form of cognitive impairment. A little planning can make the season less stressful for everyone in this situation. Geriatrics physician […]
Vitamin D, sometimes called “the sunshine vitamin,” is necessary for building strong bones, and lowers the risk of high blood pressure, certain cancers and problems with the immune system. Studies have shown that consuming adequate vitamin D lowers the risk of falls, improves mobility and even leads to a longer life. This year, researchers from […]
Worried About Memory Lapses? You need three ingredients for a recipe, so you dash to the grocery store—but once you’re there, you can’t remember one of the items you came for. You go to a wedding reception, and even though you’ve met the bride’s mother before, you can’t remember her name. You say aloud, “Where […]
September is World Alzheimer’s Month. Each year, Alzheimer’s Disease International (www.alz.co.uk) issues a report to raise awareness of the disease and its impact on families. According to this year’s report, the cost of dementia care has increased by 35 percent in just five years. Says the report, “If global dementia care were a country, it […]
We’ve all heard that to stay healthy, we need to exercise more, eat more healthfully, quit smoking and drink alcohol only in moderation. For many of us, healthy lifestyle changes require a sacrifice and may feel like a lot of hard work. We grow weary of hearing people telling us we shouldn’t have that slice […]
Carolyn was worried about her 82-year-old mother. Mom, always so active and independent, had stopped going outside. Her condo was untidy, and there was little nourishing food in the kitchen. Mom seemed forgetful and her speech was slurred. Carolyn insisted that Mom go to the doctor to discuss the possibility of Alzheimer’s disease. The doctor […]
Volunteers often receive a plaque or certificate honoring them for their service. Might they also receive an MRI showing increased brain health? Most people who volunteer say that civic engagement gives them a big mood boost and a sense of accomplishment. Now, researchers from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have shown that helping […]
Alzheimer’s disease leaves no corner of the world untouched. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, by the year 2030, there will be over 76 million cases of Alzheimer’s, threatening economies worldwide. Yet a survey performed by the Alzheimer’s Association showed a global lack of information about Alzheimer’s. The Association polled 6,307 people from 12 countries about […]
